Daily Archives: September 2, 2022

The Thousand Islands, a dramatic glacier-etched archipelago in the St. Lawrence River that straddles the maritime border between the United States and Ontario, Canada, was a favorite summer playground of the Gilded Age wealthy.

Today the islands 1,864, to be exact, from the large and habitable to little more than tree-sprouted shoals are popular spots for outdoor recreation, historic sightseeing, food and craft beverages, and even a rich shipwreck-diving scene.

The region might seem like a long haul for a weekend getaway, but its well worth it. The ideal time to visit is late summer through mid-fall, when the crowds have thinned, the forests are flush with jewel-toned foliage, and warm days give way to nights cool enough for gathering around the fire pit.

Find more weekend road trips: Coastal Rhode Island | Lower Adirondacks | Cape Ann, Massachusetts

Nonstop flights are available from JFK to Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Amtraks Empire Service can also transport you from Penn Station to Syracuse in about 5.5 hours. From there, youll need to rent a car and drive 90 minutes to the Thousand Islands. Driving from New York City, via I-380 North to I-81 North, takes about six hours.

Train service is available from Albany to Syracuse, and takes about 2.5 hours. Bus service is a little cheaper, but takes twice as long. The best bet is driving, via I-90 West to 12 North, which takes 3.5 hours.

Start in Alexandria Bay, or Alex Bay to locals. While touristy, its also the best springboard for several of the regions marquee outdoor activities. Have a quick breakfast at the new Alex Bay Juice Co. (39 Church St.), where you can choose from cold-press juices and smoothie bowls.

Afterward, take a cruise around the islands. Clayton Islands Tours new five-hour Ultimate Sightseeing Tour on the St. Lawrence River takes a greatest hits approach to the rivers best-loved sites Millionaires Row, home to majestic Gilded Age summer homes; Rock Island Lighthouse; and Boldt Castle along with a picnic lunch.

For a look at what lies beneath, go scuba diving to some of the thousands of shipwrecks cradled against the floor of the St. Lawrence River. Warm, clear waters make it possible to explore a gone-but-not-forgotten 18th-century French cutter captured during the War of 1812, a schooner accidentally sliced in half by a passing freighter in the early 1900s, and the Eastcliffe Hall, a 2,000-ton, 252-foot cargo vessel that struck a shoal in 1970 and took her crew of nine to Davy Joness locker.

There are many options for taking a cruise around the islands.

The St. Lawrence River historically was a prominent trading byway, and its floor is littered with thousands of shipwrecks.

Back on land, stop for refreshment at Dark Island Spirits (42 Church St.), maker of bourbons, whiskeys, brandies, vodkas, gins and liqueurs. Their craft cocktails are potent and surprisingly inexpensive.

Landlubbers should head eight miles south, across the scenic Thousand Islands Bridge, to Wellesley Island State Park(44927 Cross Island Road), home to the regions largest camping complex, nine miles of hiking trails, a sandy beach and a golf course. Walk the three-mile shoreline trail of the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, named for a pioneering yet little-known female ecologist, pausing on the rocky outcrop of the River Trail overlooking The Narrows for a panoramic photo.

As afternoon slides into evening, stop in Clayton. A former shipbuilding and lumbering port town, it boasts a petite, newly renovated downtown lined with historic architecture, including the Clayton Opera House (403 Riverside Drive), a former vaudeville theater that now hosts live performances.

The downtown has several shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. The Thousand Islands Arts Center (314 John St.) has an unusual collection of and offers classes in handweaving. The Antique Boat Museum (750 Mary St.) isnt just a showcase for 320 unique boats; it also hosts educational programs and an annual boat show. Via their Ride the River program, you can enjoy a comprehensive tour of the islands from the stern of the Miss Thousand Islands II.

Clayton is a former shipbuilding and lumbering port with a newly renovated downtown.

Wellesley Island State Park has nine miles of hiking trails, a golf course and the regions largest campground.

The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton has 320 unique seafaring vessels.

Savor sunset over the river at the farm-to-table St. Lawrence Spirits Chateau (38289 State Route 12E). Two top picks: the burrata with lemon-pickled watermelon and basil over arugula and the catch of the day, seared and spiced with zaatar and served with a quinoa-Castelvetrano olive salad. Their distillery makes the spirits used in their cocktails, including an unusual line of absinthes.

In Cape Vincent, once home to Joseph Bonaparte, brother of the infamous French dictator, have breakfast downtown at homey, nautical-themed Coal Docks (592 Broadway St.). Then drive or bicycle (call 613-382-4232 for rentals) along the rocky shoreline of Route 6 to Tibbetts Point Lighthouse (933435 Tibbetts Point Road). Located at the confluence of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, this beacon, built in 1854, features the only original working Fresnel lens in the region. Because its still an active navigational aid, visits are restricted to the exterior.

Go stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, or kayaking from Burnham Point State Park (340765 State Route 12E) or any of the other state parks in the region. The St. Lawrence stays warm enough for dipping all the way through early October.

Sit down to an early lunch in Sackets Harbor at the Whiskey Coop (214 1/2 Main St.). The Southern-influenced menu features recipes like crispy buttermilk-battered chicken breast with pickled jalapeos, dill pickles and cheddar, and a rich, cookielike Kentucky Derby pie made with chocolate, bourbon and walnuts.

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, built in 1854, features the only original working Fresnel lens in the region. It is still an active navigational aid.

The Whiskey Coop in Sackets Harbor has a Southern-influenced menu with items like crispy buttermilk-battered chicken breast and a Kentucky Derby pie.

For an overview of this beautifully preserved historic village, a strategic spot during the War of 1812, pay a visit to the Sackets Harbor Heritage Area Visitors Center (301 W. Main St.) or head straight for the Sackets Harbor Battlefield(504 W. Main St.), site of a crucial skirmish. Sail Ontario (102 Navy Point Road) offers sailing lessons that whisk you past the battlefield and out into the open water of Lake Ontario.

Main Street in Sackets Harbor is home to a handful of shops, cafes, and pubs. Pick up cheeky gifts at the Paisley Lily Boutique (208 Main St.) or locally created art and jewelry at the Sackets Harbor Arts Center (119 W. Main St.). The latter also hosts classes on topics like painting, needle felting and natural dyeing.

For a nice selection of tea and accessories, including Japanese teapots and cups, go to the Handmaidens Garden (117 W. Main St.). Refuel for your trip home with one of their bubble teas, or else a coconut mocha frappe and a cinnamon roll from Chrissy Beanz Bakery (105 W. Main St.).

Budget travelers will appreciate this modern, soothing apartment in Sackets Harbor, or this tiny home in Henderson Harbor. There are also plenty of affordable camping options, including on Wellesley Island.

For a midpriced room in a superb location with gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence, book a stay at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel (200 Riverside Drive) in Clayton. The Wooden Boat Inn (606 Alexandria St.), also in Clayton, is a quirky boutique property with a sweet courtyard and a screened porch for sipping coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at night.

In the splurge category, Casa Blanca Cherry Island and Belle Island offer luxury private rentals, with spectacular views, for small groups.

Rooms at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, in Clayton, range from about $180 to $429 per night.

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Road trip to Thousand Islands on US-Canada border - Times Union

NEW YORK, Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Corcoran Group, LLC today announced its continued expansion by welcoming its newest global affiliate with the launch of Corcoran Turks and Caicos, owned and led by Stephanie Leathers and Katherine Baryluk. The announcement, made by Pamela Liebman, President and CEO of The Corcoran Group, marks the fifth Caribbean market that the firm has entered in just over two years.

A British archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and just a 3-hour flight to New York City, Turks and Caicos is the ultimate destination for snorkelers, scuba enthusiasts, and anyone else on the hunt for water sport-ready clear oceans and thriving marina life. The islands are also home to the third largest coral system in the world, and Grace Bay Beach in particular has won Best Beach Destination numerous times. Known also for its incredible year-round weather, Turks and Caicos is a perfect fit for Corcoran's continued expansion globally.

"Arriving in Turks and Caicos is an exciting moment for us, and it's a beautiful second-home market that is going to provide strong opportunities for our wider network," said Liebman. "Stephanie and Katherine are very talented real estate professionals with impressive experience in international markets, and they're always on the lookout for new opportunities to elevate their business. Their ability to show value to their clients, especially in new development, will prove invaluable in the region and I'm looking forward to all they'll achieve as part of our inimitable group."

All long-time residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the ownership team began working together in 2006. Leathers' background is well versed in new construction pre-sales, and she has been lauded as a top-selling residential condominium salesperson in Downtown Athens, Georgia. Leathers' first project in Athens, a 138 residential and commercial tower, boasted 98 sales before ground-breaking and a full-sell out prior to completion. Baryluk has long been considered a private island specialist and her comprehensive knowledge of the region, plus her cutting-edge marketing expertise elevates the concierge service they are able to provide their clients. An industry leader in Turks and Caicos, in 2012 she successfully brokered the record-breaking sale of Emerald Cay, a unique private island for $19.5M. Rounding out the leadership team is Andrew Ashcroft, a second-generation Belizean with 18 years of experience in banking, hospitality, finance and development throughout the Caribbean. In 2021, Ashcroft developed the Alaia Belize Marriott Autograph Collection, a 20-acre master-planned hotel and condominium property, which sold out 100 residences in just three years.

"When invited to establish Corcoran's presence in Turks and Caicos, we were immediately impressed by the brand's marketing strength, established name in the new development arena, and of course, the incredible opportunity for a robust network of referrals through several key feeder markets," said Leathers. "Our combined wealth of knowledge and expertise in the region coupled with the power of the Corcoran brand will allow us to stand out and bring the best possible real estate experience to our clients and agents alike. We're thrilled for what's ahead."

Corcoran Turks & Caicos will welcome visitors to its new office on Providenciales in the coming weeks.

About The Corcoran GroupThe Corcoran Group has been a leading residential real estate brand for nearly 50 years. Through its New York City, Hamptons, and South Florida brokerages, along with its rapidly growing affiliate network, the firm is home to more than 170 offices and more than 6,000 independent salespersons in key urban, suburban, and resort markets nationwide. Corcoran agents earn and keep their clients' trust with an unwavering commitment to white-glove service, expertise, and integrity. In every market served, Corcoran helps you find the home that's just right for you. The Corcoran brand comprises both offices owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC (f/k/a Realogy Brokerage Group LLC) and franchised offices, which are independently owned and operated. For more information about The Corcoran Group, please visit http://www.corcoran.com.

SOURCE The Corcoran Group

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CORCORAN WELCOMES LATEST GLOBAL AFFILIATE IN TURKS AND CAICOS - PR Newswire

LocalA shriveled up tree in a planter on Harrison Avenue is one of the few trees in Chinatown, one of the city's heat islands. John Tlumacki / The Boston Globe

Boston saw one of its hottest and driest Julys ever this summer.

The city experienced record-breaking heat on several occasions. Oppressive heat waves prompted officials to declare heat emergencies, urging residents to seek relief from the sweltering temperatures by staying indoors with fans or air conditioning or by seeking shade, out of the blistering rays of the sun.

But the cool offered by the shade of trees is not always so easily, or equitably, found in Boston.

Cities already experience hotter temperatures than their rural neighbors. But even within a city, there are neighborhoods that experience more intense heat.

Those areas, known as heat islands, can be found where there is more concrete, more buildings, more steel and less trees, grass, or other green space. In what is known as the heat island or urban heat island effect, the built structures such as buildings and roads absorb the suns heat and re-emit it. That can mean daytime temperatures can be between 1 and 7 degrees higher than spots with more natural landscapes; nightime temperatures can be between 2 and 5 degrees warmer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Communities that have historically seen disinvestment and marginalization are often those experiencing the heat island effect more intensely, according to Rev. Vernon Walker, program director of Communities Responding to Extreme Weather, also known as CREW.

Even at night in those communities, its particularly hot because the heat is releasing at night and we know that concrete traps heat, he told Boston.com. And as climate change becomes a lot worse and heat waves become more and more frequent, the urban heat island effect, it makes the impact worse of climate change and it amplifies the already oppressive conditions that heat waves cause to a community.

Look at a heat map of the area, Walker pointed out, and the difference in temperature in places like Chinatown stands out in stark contrast to the cooling blue in places like Brookline or Franklin Park, where more greenery can be found.

Unlike neighborhoods that have been subject to redlining and disinvestment, communities that are wealthier tend to have more trees, resulting in cooler temperatures in the summer, David Meshoulam, co-founder and executive director of Speak for the Trees, said.

That is because trees not only provide shade but also a cooling effect through evapotranspiration.

Really, its a public health issue, Meshoulam said. If youre living in a community with 105-degree weather versus 90-degree weather, not only are you going to be dealing with heat stroke and other sorts of health issues, but if you can afford air conditioning, your air conditioning bill is going to be that much more, your electricity bill is going to be that much more. Which is not only an economic issue, but its an environmental issue because were taxing our grid.

Ensuring residents understand the public health impacts of heat islands, and the way they amplify already dangerous conditions from heat waves, is one of the missions of CREW.

That includes spreading awareness and providing support for related issues, since the communities that suffer from heat islands are also those that are more likely to suffer from food insecurity, economic injustice, and racial injustice, Walker said.

One of the other things that we do is that we help point out how climate change is intersectional and its interconnected to housing justice, racial justice, immigrant justice, and how these injustices are inextricably linked, he said. And how we cant have climate justice without racial justice. Because those communities that are disproportionately affected, coastal communities, urban communities, by the climate crisis are also the same communities that are disproportionately impacted by racial injustice and housing injustice and gentrification, etc.

The areas that experience the most intense and longest heat in the city are Chinatown, Downtown Boston, the South End, South Boston, and Back Bay, according to the citys Heat Resilience Plan. But Allston, Brighton, Charlestown, East Boston, as well as parts of Dorchester and Roxbury, also experience hotter and longer heat events compared to the median temperature in the city.

One of the ways to address heat islands is to increase the tree canopy in those areas by planting and ensuring the survival of new trees. Boston officials say addressing tree canopy equity is a measure that is an important part of the citys plans to address heat islands and the citys heat resilience in the face of the climate crisis.

The city is currently putting together its first Urban Forest Plan, which, when it is released this fall, will outline measures and steps for protecting and expanding Bostons tree canopy.

Ryan Woods, Bostons Parks and Recreation Commissioner, stressed the importance of trees for cooling and improving air quality in the city.

Equitably expanding canopy throughout the city will mean expanding the benefits they provide in areas that are historically marginalized and currently excluded communities that tend to have higher temperatures, he told Boston.com.

As part of the work on the forest plan, the city has conducted a complete inventory of its street trees.

Woods noted that the team working to develop the forest plan is working closely with the team tasked with addressing heat in the city. But he noted that an equitable canopy and the work of the Urban Forest Plan is about more than just the shade that the trees will provide.

Its about actively supporting economic justice, doing workforce training with residents, he said. Its so important that residents understand about tree care and the importance of trees and helping to water trees. And it also means holding that space for voice and leadership of communities on how the forest is managed.

We may think we know best, but we learn best by having our residents engaged, he continued. And thats how we have a successful canopy is by having involvement and engagement by the community.

Speak for the Trees is one of the local organizations working in partnership with the city to both plant trees and provide education around the importance of the urban forest.

Meshoulam said he thinks that this summer in particular people have become much more aware that they are more on the front line in facing heat than others.

He said it is clear, based on the inventory done by the city, that there is a massive opportunity to plant trees in Boston.

Thats not a surprise, he said. There are trees that have died; theres empty tree wells in certain neighborhoods. Theres potential to remove concrete and plant trees. I dont think the question necessarily is, Should we do this? The question is, How do we do it in a way thats not just throwing money at the problem?

Answering that question runs up against a structural problem, he said, since a lot of trees are going in the ground, but they are not surviving.

According to Meshoulam, about 30 to 40 percent of the street trees planted in Boston dont survive past their seventh year, with most of the mortality occurring in the first two years.

The question is how do you develop a system that allows these trees to not only survive but thrive?, he said.

Both Meshoulam and Woods stressed that engaging city residents for the care and stewardship of Bostons trees is going to be essential to ensuring that the urban forest flourishes.

And thats not just because only an estimated 40 percent of the citys trees are on public land, compared with 60 percent on private property.

The citys street trees are supposed to be watered by contractors during their first two years in the ground, but even then, they can always use more water, Meshoulam said.

After their third year, the trees are largely left on their own.

We think theres a way to build community partnerships and get residents involved in actually helping water those trees in years three through seven where the trees need time to get established in their new home, Meshoulam said.

Its an effort that Speak for the Trees is piloting with its Teen Urban Tree Corps program, which is in its fourth year. Participating in the program, Boston teens learn about the importance of trees and their inequitable distribution in the city. They also spend time caring for about 4,000 trees in Dorchesters Fields Corner, watering and mulching them.

Meshoulam said the program also demonstrates to teens that there are career opportunities and a real need in the field of forestry.

These are good paying jobs, these are local jobs, these are jobs for people who love to work with their hands, who love to be outside, who love to engage with communities, can really make a difference, he said. Its a career; its not just a job.

The hope is that the model of engagement and education offered by the Teen Urban Tree Corps can be expanded to other neighborhoods and communities.

We want to expand that to working with community groups to get people excited about this, to get people to request trees, but then agree to water them more regularly, Meshoulam said. The climate were seeing this summer will probably repeat itself in future summers as well, so we really need to think, how are we going to ensure that these trees that we plant or that have been planted get the attention they deserve? And I think that needs to come not only from the city but also from residents.

It cant just be about planting a tree and walking away, he said.

By engaging with local community groups and hosting workshops, Meshoulam said Speak for the Trees aims to not just provide information about caring for trees and the important role they play in the city for heat resiliency, but to also better understand how people relate to the urban forest.

Trees are complicated objects, he said. Some people love them, and some people dont want to rake the leaves in the fall. For some immigrant groups, trees are a source of, back in their home country, of food and sustenance that here in the city, we dont really have that. So they are complicated historical objects, and trying to understand how different communities engage with and think about trees is one of our goals.

Such engagement is important to encouraging residents to plant trees or care for those already on their private property.

Its about really shifting about how people think about and relate to trees in their daily lives and in our community, he said.

Woods said the city is looking to lean into and grow the enthusiasm and support for trees in Boston, since resident engagement is so important for tree care and planting, particularly given that 60 percent of the urban forest is on private property.

Theres only so much space available on city sidewalks with utilities, hydrants, mailboxes, and stop signs among other limitations to grow trees. Boston really needs to continue looking at private property as the place to continue growing the citys canopy, he said.

It sounds a little corny or cliche, but to grow a city forest, it takes a city, Woods said. It takes everyone working together regardless of where these trees live, they need to be cared for so they continue growing and expanding their canopy.

With Boston and most of the state experiencing a critical drought, the role of private property owners and residents in caring for the citys trees becomes even more important, Woods said.

Its so crucial to understand, especially in these times of drought, that the heat on these trees, the stress that theyre taking on, adding 20 gallons of water a week makes a huge difference and its not at a big cost to the residents, Woods said. So that tree thats in front of your home or in your yard thats giving you that shade and that respite on hot days and taking in stormwater, that needs the love and care of these residents.

At this point, hesaid he believes the biggest obstacle to ensuring residents are part of the stewardship of the citys urban forest is just the process of getting the message out and making the formal ask of the community. That includes making sure people understand the needs of the trees, that there is minimal cost involved in watering once a week during drought conditions, and that anyone can report pruning needs to 311.

The city forest is as much a verb as it is a noun, he said.

Its very cliche that theres that old proverb that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the second best time is today, Woods said. The importance of the role that trees play in our everyday lives and the need for us to engage with them, to help provide the resources for them, is very important. And thats something were trying to get out there and find ways the city can partner with the residents so that we really do have a healthy, equitable canopy across our city.

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Trees are key to address Bostons heat islands. But its more complicated than just planting new ones. - Boston.com

When we say the words best Greek islands, you probably think of the big hitters in Greece that fill up your Instagram feeds every summer with their impeccable sunsets, sandy beaches and turquoise waters: Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Zakynthos (Zante). Yes, they are the popular islands for a reason; namely, that they are impossibly beautiful. But what if we were to tell you that they are just a snapshot of the wondrous, almost mythical beauty the Greek islands all 200+ of them have to offer?

From Karpathos to Tonis, the Dodecanese, Cyclades, Ionian and Sporades islands are home to some of Greece's best-kept secrets (and worst cough cough Mamma Mia), boasting pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, ancient ruins, coves and caves to explore, buzzing nightlife and mouthwatering local food minus the crowds.

So, here's our edit of the very best Greek islands with some of the most gorgeous beaches Europe has to offer and where to stay on each, whether you're after a hotel or an Airbnb option. From a just-opened five-star luxury hotel in Santorini, to a traditional stone house with its own private pool in Evia, via a rustic farm stay in Samos, here is where you need to book for your next holiday

For more from GLAMOUR's Website Director Ali Pantony, follow her on Instagram @alipantony.

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Best Greek Islands: 20 Greek Islands to Visit in 2022 - GLAMOUR UK

Conflict is a rather bellicose name for a serene group of beautiful islands.

But the pugnacious nature of the name itself has now caught up with its real intentions in our country.

There is now a developing belligerent dispute over the Conflict Islands in Milne Bay Province between the Papua New Guinea government and Australian businessman Ian Gowrie-Smith who claims ownership of the islands. Gowrie-Smith, listed online as a millionaire mining, oil, gas, pharmaceuticals developer and conservationist, is reported to have bought the islands 17 years ago, and now intends to sell them to the highest bidder.

However, the sale wouldnt come at a pesky time. The geopolitical tectonic shift in the Pacific, with China emerging as a power player, has an uncanny feel for the Conflict Islands.

USA, Australia and New Zealand have become wary of China in the Pacific, with the Red Dragon becoming entrenched next door in Solomon Islands, after signing a security agreement with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Sogavare has since announced that no foreign warships are welcome in Solomon Islanders waters after chasing away an American Coast Guard Cutter last week.

China is openly seeking more Pacific islands to build sea ports and bases for its navy in its global expansionist bid. And Solomon Islands may have fallen into its arms despite PM Sogavares insistent denials.

The Conflict Islands is now part of that conflict as Chinese businesses, mostly aligned to the Chinese government, are the frontrunners to buy the Conflict Islands, much to the apprehension of Australia, New Zealand and the US. The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made it clear last week that Australia is very concerned but admitted it is in PNGs hands as the islands are in PNGs sovereign territory. Albanese then sent his island-hopping Foreign Minister Penny Wong to Port Moresby on Monday to make it clear China is not welcome on Australias doorsteps.

This week, PNG deputy Prime Minister John Rosso was agitated when questioned on the issue. He told Parliament the Conflict Islands cannot be sold to anyone outside of PNG.

So how did Smith-Gowrie, himself a foreigner, acquire the islands and from who? Was it a crown sale, given the English surveyed the islands and claimed them under the crown of England? This conflict now has far reaching implications upon foreign companies and foreigners who own or claim private ownership of other islands in PNG.

Rosso, who is also the PNG lands minister, has ordered an investigation into how Gowrie-Smith acquired the islands. Perhaps the best people to start with are the real island owners, the people, whose forefathers fished and rested on those 21 islands, well before the Royal Navy or Gowrie-Smith arrived.

The main island of Panasesa is 64 hectares of coconut palms, which once hosted a tiny American landing strip during World War II. Nowadays, its a tourism attraction, with a turtle conservation program aimed at saving the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle and the endangered turtle. For the record, over a century ago, a British Royal Navy survey ship HMS The Conflict was charting the waters of Eastern Papua and left its name written on the sandy shores of a group of 21 uninhabited atolls.

Someone in London may have sold a piece of PNG treasure which has suddenly become the crown in the jewel for the Chinese.

We stand by our lands minister: The Conflict Islands cannot be sold!

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Post Courier A rather conflicting 'conflict' - POST-COURIER